COMMENTARY: Will, Fern, and the Power of Encouragement

Two frogs named Will and Fern fell into a deep pit together. At first, they thought it would be easy to jump out. But after lots of failed attempts they cried for help and a crowd of animals gathered around the pit.

Everyone agreed it was hopeless so they urged Will and Fern to accept their fate. The harder the trapped frogs jumped, the more the crowd yelled at them to give up. Finally, Will stopped trying. Fern refused to quit and with one mighty try she leaped out of the pit.

The crowd was amazed. Someone asked her why shekept trying when everyone told her she had no chance.

Fern was baffled. “What are you saying?” she asked. “I’m a bit deaf. I was sure you were all cheering me on. I couldn’t have done it without your encouragement.”

I learned of this story from a woman who was in a transitional housing program recovering from a long period of drug abuse, homelessness and hopelessness. She wanted everyone to understand how important positivism and encouragement can be to help people who seem down and out to get up and out. She said she got out of her own pit because caring people helped her believe in herself and gave her the confidence she needed to jump a little harder.

There will always be people in your life ready to tell you what you can’t do. Real friends root for you, support you and help you discover your inner talents and strengths.

I hope you will find and treasure those kinds of friends and be one yourself.

Patsy – a simple comment that is relating to repetitive story is what you find negative and should be hidden? Character is doing what is right even if no one is around to see it, even more so, character is based on honesty. The comment was civil, to the point. Perhaps others think it too. It’s an opinion based on a commentary on the site and have no reason to hide it, it’s the truth. The world is already filled to capacity of keeping things quiet, hiding behind closed doors and sneaking behind backs. I was honest in my post and very civil. The stories have become repetitive, simple as that. I enjoy the commentaries and yearn for new stories since I follow the newsletter closely. That in of itself should show that I support Character Counts!

The same situation could have a new solution, of course. Frogs can float (or swim). They could ask for the hole to be (gently) filled with water, or a bystander could think of it. Maybe even a bystander who had been ignored by the group. I am confident that you can work this into an ethical homily, Michael, for next time. Keep up the good work.

One thing to consider JVF is that some people, like myself, have never seen/read this story. And, it may come as a much needed inspiration to us to keep trying – when we do not feel we have the strength to anymore.

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What Will Matter Poem by Michael Josephson

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The mission of the Josephson Institute is, “To improve the ethical quality of society by changing personal and organizational decision making and behavior.” In this space Michael Josephson and the Center for Policing Ethics faculty will provide expert insights and resources to promote professional development and leadership effectiveness of executives and managers and create an ethical business culture which enhances morale, growth, and profitability while reducing risks of costly and reputation damaging lawsuits and scandals.